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Monument aux Girondins: A Bordeaux Landmark

A majestic monument in Bordeaux's Place des Quinconces, honoring the Girondists and symbolizing liberty with its iconic column and bronze fountains.

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The Monument aux Girondins, located on the Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux, is a grand fountain and monument erected between 1894 and 1902. It commemorates the Girondists, a political group during the French Revolution, and stands as a symbol of liberty and the Republic. The monument features a towering column topped by a statue of Liberty breaking its chains, flanked by bronze fountains and sculptures.

A brief summary to Monument aux Girondins

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take a stroll around the Place des Quinconces to appreciate the monument from different angles and explore the surrounding area.
  • Look for the webbed feet on the horse statues and the mermaid-like tails, and notice that the water comes out of the horse's noses.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Bordeaux city center, take Tram Line B or C to the 'Quinconces' station. The tram ride is a convenient way to reach the Place des Quinconces. A single ticket costs approximately €1.70. Several bus lines also serve the 'Quinconces' stop, including Lines 1 and 4. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.70.

  • Walking

    If you are staying close to central Bordeaux, you can walk to Place des Quinconces. From the Bordeaux city center, head towards Rue de la Porte Dijeaux, then turn onto Cours de l'Intendance until you reach Place des Quinconces. It should take about 15 to 20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Bordeaux. A short taxi ride from the city center to Place des Quinconces typically costs between €5 and €7.

  • Driving

    If driving from the Bordeaux Wine Region, take the A62 motorway towards Bordeaux. Follow signs for Bordeaux Centre and exit at 'Bordeaux Centre'. Once you are on Avenue Thiers, continue straight until you reach Place des Quinconces. There is limited parking nearby, so be prepared to find a parking spot at one of the public parking garages such as 'Parking Bourse' or 'Parking des Quinconces'. Be aware that parking may incur costs, typically around €1.50 per hour.

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Discover more about Monument aux Girondins

The Monument aux Girondins is a striking tribute to the Girondist deputies who were victims of the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution. Located on the Place des Quinconces, one of Europe's largest city squares, the monument stands as a testament to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The monument's history dates back to the late 19th century when the Bordeaux City Council decided to honor the Girondists, a group of moderate deputies who played a significant role in the early years of the French Revolution. Construction began in 1894 and was completed in 1902. The monument consists of a 54-meter high column. At the top of the column, a bronze statue of Liberty breaks its chains, symbolizing freedom and the triumph of the Republic. At the base of the column are two large basins adorned with bronze sculptures of horses and allegorical figures. These fountains add to the monument's grandeur and invite reflection on the values that were central to the Girondist cause. The Place des Quinconces also features two rostral columns, symbolizing commerce and navigation, and statues of the Bordeaux philosophers Montaigne and Montesquieu. The monument has undergone several renovations and restorations throughout its history. It was classified as a historical monument on March 16, 2011. Today, the Monument aux Girondins remains a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a space for reflection and appreciation of Bordeaux's rich cultural heritage.

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